A letter to mom complete with theme music

Esther strikes again. If only she could express herself more clearly. . .

The Blurb blurbs again

As you may have noticed, the Burlington Blurb has been on hiatus for about 3 weeks. You see, the Burlington family has travelled (via Honda Odyssey) to Maine and back on a fabulous vacation. I will post about the trip in due time. But for now, here is some Burlington kid eye candy. Mom and dad got German soccer uniforms on their recent trip to Deutschland. The kids love 'em!

A visit with Claire and Nadjia

Gloria and I visited our 2nd cousin and her daughter at Scottish Rite today. Claire (3) is being getting treatment for a malignant tumor on her spine. Her treatments seem to be going well. We sisters got a treat hanging out with these 2 lovely ladies for a few hours this morning.
I made a fort with Claire under her table that we raised really high and covered with a blanket. See above.
And underneath the blanket is Claire!

She pretended to sleep.
And charmed me with her blue eyes.
Here is Nadjia Kitchen, Claire's mom, and second cousin to Gloria and me. That makes my children third cousins to Claire. Claire had the idea to make some videos. So without further ado, I give you. . . Claire!





Please pray for Claire and her family to have strength, energy and healing during this time. We love you Kitchen family.

Summer 2010- random shots

Let me introduce you to our magnificent magnolia tree at All Saints'. Notice in the background: the North Ave. Marta station. This tree is rarely without occupants of the young sort. When my kids are climbing there I try to imagine the generations of kids who have climbed here. I love this tree.
My sweet friend from college came through Atlanta this week and graced us with his calming and vacationing presence. We had lunch here at Chez Burlington and then he baked lemon cake tarts with the kids. I loved Brad already, but now that he has been in the kitchen with my kids our bond is even stronger. :)

The tarts, pre-glaze.
Another tree pose. Yoga humor anyone?

Finally, Esther and Robert spent a week with my parents in Canton for VBS at their church. They had a GREAT week learning, singing, eating out at every meal and sleeping with their grandparents. Thanks to Granny and Papaw! At the post-VBS reception.
Outside their church.
Esther.
Again.

Tennis anyone?

Look out bucket list. I have checked off Prairie Home Companion and now I am learning to play TENNIS! My sister and I just had a lesson at Piedmont Park and oh man- What a blast!!!!
Thanks to Glo for taking this journey with me and also to Scott for hanging out with CC during our lesson. Now to get a few more cute tennis skirts. . . .

quotes

"Daddy, my wan' eat Fik-fil-a ! (trans. Chick fil a)- CC
"You want to eat some chicken?"- Rob
"No Daddy, just fwies!"- CC

"Granny, why do we have to get washed every night at your house?"- Robert

postscript- I found the kids. They are at my parents' house attending VBS this week.

While the (older two) kids are away. . .

How is it that the minutae of life can bring so much satisfaction?
In the past 2 days I have cleaned by dishwasher (why is that necessary?), my microwave, my sink, my oven and drumroll please. . . . my refrigerator. Oh my, I keep catching myself opening all of the doors to look inside. Earlier I caught myself staring at my reflection on the oven door. I'll just come out and say it- A clean kitchen is sexy!
mama like.

postscript: You might wonder, where are the older 2 kids? I honestly can't remember.